Description
The Patton Family Collection consists
of 156 glass plate negatives, 218 film negatives, 875 photographs, and a negative book,
1885-1945 (bulk 1895-1907), created and/or collected by members of the Patton family and
friends. Also included are photographs of Lake Vineyard II, 1971. The collection provides an
intimate look into the private lives of one of Southern California's prominent families
around the turn of the twentieth century.
Background
In 1844, Benjamin D. Wilson, second Mayor of Los Angeles, married Ramona Yorba, daughter of
Bernardo Yorba, a well-known land owner during California's Mexican period. After Ramona's
death, Wilson married Margaret S. Hereford in 1853. He was the father of one son and three
daughters. Mariona Wilson married James DeBarth Shorb (1842-1896) and Ruth Wilson married
George Smith Patton (1856-1927) (one-time District Attorney of Los Angeles and the first
Mayor of San Marino) on December 10, 1884. Ruth and George sired two children, George Smith
Patton, Jr. (1885-1945) or "Georgie" and Anne Wilson Patton (1887-1971) or "Nita." George
Smith Patton, Jr., General in the United States Army, became famous in World War II as "Old
Blood and Guts."
Extent
7.73 Linear Feet
(16 boxes)
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from
or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The
responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining
necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
Availability
Advance arrangements for viewing negatives must be made with the Curator of Photographs.
The collection is open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader
Services Department. For more information, please visit the Huntington's website: www.huntington.org.